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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where does Granny notice the sound of hammers everywhere?

2. When Granny encounters hunters, what do they turn out to be?

3. After what event is Simon still not awake and lying in the infirmary?

4. What is the only mind that Granny says that she can work with to influence?

5. While Esk is in the bustling square of the town, she pulls on the hem of a man's clothing. What is the man counting?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who are the inhabitants of the Shades?

2. What does Esk say that Cutangle finds fascinating and unprecedented but against the lore?

3. Who is Master Treatle and why is Adab Gander negotiating with him?

4. What happens when Treatle's caravan arrives?

5. What happens to Granny when she travels to find Esk?

6. When Esk fights with the Things, what does she realize about their bodies?

7. How is the wizard apprentice process different in Esk and Simon's time from previously?

8. When the senior wizards arrive in the library, what do they think has happened to Simon, and what do they do about him?

9. Why does Esk get angry with Simon and Master Treatle?

10. What happens to students who fail to become wizards?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Consider the use of the title ""Equal Rites"." What does this signify? Is it appropriate? What does this pun imply? In the story, what descriptions and connections are made on the words "equal" and "rites" and how does it relate to the principal character of Esk? How does your understanding of the title change when it becomes apparent that "Equal Rites" is a pun on the phrase "Equal Rights?" Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Gender is an issue that is frequently debated, discussed, and described in this book. How is gender portrayed through the characters of Esk, Granny, Cutangle, Mr. Treatle, Simon, and Mrs. Whitlow? What stereotypes or cultural or societal views are reinforced, questioned, or rejected? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

The point of view of "Equal Rites" is the third-person and omniscient narrator. However, at times the point of view appears quite opinionated and has bits of first-person dialogue. Identify 3-5 examples in the text where the author changes the point of view. How does this make for an enjoyable and lively reading? What information does the author pack into descriptions, that offers perspective on the protagonist's journey and the environment as a whole? Describe.

(see the answer keys)

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